Page 33 of Bossy Hero

It’s not like anything ever became of it anyhow.

I could’ve asked her if she was making the trip down here for this ceremony, but things have been...strainedbetween us ever since she and her husband reconciled. Last I heard, they were separated. Yet again. But she hasn’t responded to my last email. My pride can only take so much rejection.

Even still, I fucking hoped she’d be here. If I were a praying man, I’d have done that too. I contemplated burning sage or buying some crystals. Whatever the fuck would have brought her here.

It wasn’t needed, though.

She’s here.

With an ever-widening grin on my face, my feet move of their own accord. My breathing grows shallow, and excitement and nervous energy course through my veins in equal measure.

I haven’t seen her in person since the morning after we shared that motel room about five years ago. When I said goodbye to her in the lobby and passed her off to her son’s care, I assumed I’d never see her again. Damn sure didn’t expect to get an email from her a week later.

As I approach, I’m struck by how stunning she looks. Brown hair with golden streaks cascades around her shoulders. Same chestnut shade as I remember.

But I had no idea she had a body like this.

The night we met, she was in baggy sweats and a loose-fitting sweatshirt. No makeup, and her hair wasn’t freshly washed. She was beautiful still.

But she’s radiant tonight.

Her dress is demure but sexy. The sleeves are three-quarter length, and it goes down past her knees. It’s tapered at the waist, revealing her hourglass figure. She’s leaving more to the imagination than many of the other females are tonight, that’s for sure. But the curve of her waist and swell of her hips—even her damn ankles—are sexy.

She’s a fucking vision.

A few steps closer, and I can make out the finer details. She’s got makeup on. Not a lot. But her lips are a shiny deep plum color. Her face isn’t red, puffy, or bruised this time. Her eyes are sparkling.

And her smile.

Son of a bitch, this woman has a smile I could get lost in.

Like in the picture she sent me.

She laughs over the rim of her wineglass, gazing up at Leo like he’s said something funny. His shoulders are shaking, so perhaps he did.

When I’m five feet away, she glances in my direction, her eyes flashing with recognition. Somehow, her already beaming smile brightens.

My pulse speeds up like it’s propelling my heart into my throat.

Fuck me running.I’m gone for this woman.

With a hopeful trill in her voice, she calls out. “Alan? Is that you?”

My hand raises in a half wave, although I didn’t instruct it to do that. “Hi, Madeline.”

Lionheart steps to the side, making room for me to join their circle of two. There’s a high-top table on his other side. The giant fucker was blocking that as well.

Maddie takes a large step toward me and flings her arms around my shoulders. “I’m so glad I got to see you before we left.”

We?

As I breathe her in, I detect hints of vanilla blended with a dainty floral scent. Her breath flutters across my neck. I’ve never been more grateful to be wearing all these layers, or else she’d see the chills pebbling my skin from the slight contact.

I haven’t had a woman pressed against me for far too long.

And neverthiswoman. No matter how many times I’ve dreamed of it.

My fantasies have nothing on how good it feels to hold her close to me. Even in front of her son in the middle of a crowded, noisy room.

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